The reality of offering Halal food to an
International Muslim student is not difficult nor is it any more expensive.

If you are not Muslim yourself, the International
Muslim student has the common sense to understand that as an Australian
Homestay, you may be unable to provide specifically, Halal meat.

However, there are simple guild lines which you can
follow which are quite satisfactory.

No Pork

No Ham

No Bacon

Seafood  No
crustaceans, only scaled fish. Check that Calamari may not be
Ok for a student from Saudi Arabia. Just ask your student.

Chicken  All OK

Fruit - All OK

Vegetables  All Ok

Beef  All OK  Therefore Sausages are OK

Lamb  All Ok

Packaged Food  Not All OK. We need to read the labels of food for our own concerns; having a Muslim
International student adds for the
need to do so.

For example. Ski Yoghurt. If you read the
ingredients list, there is written Halal Gelatine. This means that the Yoghurt
is fine for a Muslim student.

Therefore, simply check your labels when you buy
anything. Many supermarket products like sauces have a portion of animal fat in
their makeup. Just check the label. It will specify the ingredients and its
acceptability regarding Halal.. Most seafood sauces are Ok, many Italians sauces
are not.

Before a meal the International Muslim student will
say a prayer which essentially forgives him if accidentally he/she does eat pork
based animal products.

Not that difficult and the International Muslim
student is an excellent guest in the home and usually with a good grasp of
English.

"Here's a tip to pass on to
other Homestay providers: The local Turkish kebab shop is a source of
endless food delicacies and treats suitable for Muslim students. I don't buy
raw Halal meat anymore."